Brits shine among Emmy nominations

Hitting hard at America’s TV Awards, the Emmys, is British television drama Downton Abbey, with many actors and actresses up for awards as well as the programme itself. Set in the Yorkshire countryside, the story follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants showing how the great events in history such as, the sinking of the Titanic and World War I, affected not only their lives but society around them. After being snubbed by Britain’s BAFTA’s, Downton Abbey has received 12 nominations including Best Drama Series, Writing for a Drama Series and Directing for a Drama Series.

Nominated for lead actor for Downton Abbey is British actor Hugh Bonneville, also famous for starring as Bernie in Notting Hill. He is up against another British actor, Damian Lewis, who plays Sergeant Nicholas Brody in the psychological thriller series Homeland. Also nominated is Michelle Dockery, for the Lead Actress award, for her portrayal of Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey.

Jim Carter, who has worked for over 40 years on television and film, is nominated for Supporting Actor in A Drama Series, whilst Dame Maggie Smith is nominated for Supporting Actress, both for Downton Abbey. With already 3 Emmy Awards under her belt, Dame Maggie has had an extensive career in film, stage and television spanning over sixty years and appearing in over 50 films, and is one of the UK’s most recognisable actresses. Alongside Dame Maggie, up for supporting actress is, British actor Emilia Clarke for her starring role in Game of Thrones.

Up for Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie is Toby Jones, for his portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock in The Girl; the HBO film investigates film director Alfred Hitchcock and his relationships with his leading ladies. He is also famous for starring as Truman Capote in the biopic, Infamous. Also, up for this award is Benedict Cumberbatch for his work on the miniseries Parade’s End, based on the novel of the same name. Dame Helen Mirren has been nominated for Phil Spector, a biographical television film based on the life of the musician, songwriter and record producer of the same name.

Nominated for Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie is Peter Mullan for his role as Matt Mitcham in the television miniseries, Top of the Lake. Peter Mullan is best known for his roles in Trainspotting, Tyrannosaur and the last two Harry Potter Films, Deathly Hallows – Parts One and Two. Nominated for Supporting Actress in Miniseries or Movie, Imelda Staunton plays Alma Reville in The Girl. Staunton played Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and received critical acclaim with her portrayal of Vera Drake. Charlotte Rampling is also up for this award for her role in Restless.

Nominated for Guest Actress is Dame Diana Rigg for her performance as Lady Olenna in Game of Thrones. Dame Diana was considered a sex symbol of the 60’s when she starred as Bond Girl Countess Teresa di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Rupert Friend, best known for his roles as Mr. Wickham in the film Pride and Prejudice, Lieutenant Kurt Kotler in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and Prince Albert in The Young Victoria, he is currently up for the award of Guest Actor for his role as Peter Quinn in multiple Emmy Award winning television drama, Homeland.